A walk on the healthy side

Going for a walk is one of the highlights of my day. Most people know that the exercise is beneficial to dogs and humans, but I think a walk is about so much more than getting some exercise so I’m going to talk about some of the other benefits.

For me, it’s quality time with one, or more, of my bipeds. I don’t have to share them with any of the many tasks that bipeds find to do for most of the day, their focus is on enjoying the time with me. The cats stay at home while we’re out for a walk – I love the cats but it’s lovely to get all the attention from my bipeds for a while! Quality time together improves the bond between dog and humans.

It is mentally stimulating for me to be able to sniff and find out what is going on in the neighbourhood. Humans miss most of the messages left by other dogs and wildlife, which is surprising as the messages are usually left in obvious places – on trees in the countryside and on street lights in urban areas! This means that even a short walk near to home is interesting as I get to know who has been in the area and when they were there.

I’m just strolling in the mountains – biped in tow

I have my favourite walks – they all include a stream. I love having a splash in cool water and the opportunity to take a drink – it always tastes better than the water my bipeds are carrying. I also enjoy it when we walk somewhere new because it’s an adventure!

When I was younger we always did some training while we were out. It was often things I’d been doing at home in our garden and I was asked to do them while we were out – it’s always much harder when there are distractions! I also encountered all sorts of people and animals while out on my walks as part of my socialisation.

I still get to show off some of my skills, and keep them honed, when we’re out on a walk. People often want to make a fuss of me and I’m always polite. Sometimes they just want to talk to my bipeds and I sit and show how very patient I am.

Most of my walks are in the countryside as that’s what we enjoy the most, but sometimes we go to a busy place where I see lots of traffic and people. I show that I remember to wait at the kerb until my biped says that it’s safe for us to cross. Sometimes someone will touch me unexpectedly and I take it in my stride (pun intended)!

I try to ensure that my bipeds focus on me during a walk, this is because I think it’s a special time for them to relax and forget about all the day to day things that concern them. I also help them to enjoy the simple pleasures of life such as splashing in a muddy puddle or pausing to sniff a wild flower. I’m not sure why they like sniffing flowers when there are always more interesting things to sniff, but they seem to enjoy it and it gives me more time to sniff things that are interesting!

The Cinnamon Trust

I’d like to mention The Cinnamon Trust, a charity based in the UK. They assist the terminally ill and the elderly to look after their pets. They have a network of volunteers who will do things like taking a dog for a regular walk.

Clowie I know that you love walking the countryside with your bipeds……you do have some lovely adventures. I think it’s great that your friend Milo is now a guide dog – that’s such a HUGE and wonderful job to have……

We are all big walk fans at my house too. We have our favorite spots, our long walk spots, the short walk spots, and we love new places. You look real good on the leash leading your human along. Happy walking…but stay home during the World Cup Final, Katie says it will be a good one!

I am so glad you enjoy your walks Clowie!! Over here in the states it can be trying at times especially if owners of other animals do not follow the laws! we have been attacked by unguarded animals (you know unchained or not fenced in just dogs on the loose!) Can be very frightening, but Jeep handles it well! Congratulation MIlo I know you will do well!!!!!

I agree with you, walks are good for peeps&pets. The fresh air brings fresh ideas and after a walk you are best prepared for work (bipeds) or a nap (me). I also like a fresh drink from a puddle or a creek, think all “kids” like a dine out or a “drink out”. Congrats to Milo!

It is exciting when it’s time for a walk. I have to remind my bipeds occasionally, but they’re usually almost as keen to go out as I am.
The work that The Cinnamon Trust do makes such a big difference to the people and animals they help.
I knew you’d be pleased to hear about Milo!

I would just love to be able to walk my pack through the mountains like that!
Except, when we stop to talk to people, not all of my huskies sit patiently and wait like you! BOL!!!! Quite the opposite actually!
Huge congrats to Milo!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

Clowie, You are so thoughtful and well behaved, I am so sure your bipeds love you so much. It is a pleasure to hear of your advsntures, and I do get the need to have some quality time away from the cats, that alone I am sure is worth the effort. Please take care, and thank you for sharing your adventures. Biped Bill

I’ve heard about the Cinnamon Trust…my parents have a friend with a Guide Dog (she had two – one retired till recently when she sadly went to the kennel in the sky). Cath’ is not confident to walk her dog now and therefore has two lovely ladies from the Cinnamon Trust who regularly come to take her Guide Dog out. Great people 🙂 Walks are wonderful Clowie! You’re right, it’s a great way to bond and if training can be incorporated all the better I say!

Walking a dog for someone can make all the difference in the world.
I love going for walks and it is just as important mentally as physically. Pausing for some training or a game can make things more interesting.

I am lucky to get take some fantastic walks! Pippin has followed us sometimes for a part of the way. He is only allowed in a cat-proof part of the garden these days though and Mulberry has never been further outside than the garden.

Walking is such an enjoyable thing to do. With all our moving right now, my husband and I really don’t have enough time for them, but we’re looking forward to getting back in stride before too long. I’m glad you look after your bipeds’ health and well-being, Clowie!

Walkies are the best!!! I get so excited when Mom or Dad pick up the leash that I run and sit by the door crying. Sadly, we live where it’s super hot right now, so walkies are super limited. We can’t go around sunrise/sunset because of the mt. lions around here, either. Thank goodness for vacations!
♥ Behr Behr 🙂

I go to the door to wait for the bipeds when I know we’re going out. I made excited noises when I was younger – now I’m more patient, but I sigh if they take a very long time putting their shoes on!
I can understand you getting very excited if you can’t go for many walks at the moment. I expect you’ll have lots of walks when the weather cools down a bit!

Sweet Clowie you sure see some beautiful country when you go for walks. Chancy don’t like walking very much but he loves to run. Keep enjoying those great walks and thank you for sharing them with us. Hugs and nose kisses